About the Author

Reverend Mark Townsend is an ex-Church of England vicar, a professional (performance) magician, a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids; and the author of five books, all of which combine the two areas of magic and religion.

He has studied both magic (“performance” and “real”) and religion for at least twenty years. Rev. Townsend served as an Anglican priest for ten years, but within a continual love-hate relationship to the Church. Throughout that period he developed a deep desire for a more earth-centered/Pagan approach to spirituality. Rev. Townsend eventually resigned from his Christian ministry and quickly became involved in Pagan circles. He has been initiated into the Druid mysteries.

Rev. Townsend’s previous book (The Path of the Blue Raven) caused something of a stir among the more traditionally minded because it was the first time he spoke openly about his path into Druidry while still an Anglican priest.